JP2007132964A - Photographing device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing device which can be attachably/detachably attached to an astronomical telescope, wherein a good-quality photographic image suitable for a heavenly body can be obtained just by selecting an optional heavenly body as a photographing object. <P>SOLUTION: When the optional heavenly body is selected as the photographing object in a state in which filter information indicating an optical filter suitable for the photography of each heavenly body so as to correspond to it is stored and managed in a heavenly body data base PDB, a control part 101 reads out the filter information and drives a movable type filter unit 113 through a filter driving part 116 so as to make an infrared filter advance/retreat on the optical axis of the lens unit 112 or make a filter selected out of many kinds of filters move on the optical axis of the lens unit 112. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a program that can be detachably attached to an astronomical telescope.

In general, since a digital camera uses a CCD as an image sensor, it is necessary to cut infrared rays during general photographing in the visible light region, so an infrared cut filter is provided on the optical axis of the photographing lens system. However, conventionally, there has been known an imaging apparatus in which an infrared cut filter is automatically removed in accordance with illuminance (see Patent Document 1).
JP 63-87889 A

However, in the imaging apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the infrared cut filter is automatically removed when shooting in a dark place, infrared rays are used when shooting any celestial object. It was not always possible to obtain a clear image.
On the other hand, various optical filters such as a light pollution cut filter are attached at the time of astronomical photography. However, there is a possibility that the type of the filter is wrong or the photograph is taken without wearing. Astronomical images contain a lot of noise and are unclear, so the captured images are imported into a personal computer and processed according to the quality of the image. An image could not always be obtained.

  An object of the present invention is an imaging apparatus that can be detachably attached to an astronomical telescope, and by simply selecting an arbitrary astronomical object as an imaging object, a high-quality captured image suitable for the astronomical object can be easily obtained. Is to do so.

The invention described in claim 1 is an imaging apparatus that can be detachably attached to the astronomical telescope, and includes filter information indicating whether or not an infrared cut filter provided to be movable back and forth on the optical axis of the imaging lens system is usable. Filter information storage means for storing and managing in association with each celestial object, celestial object selecting means for selecting an arbitrary celestial object as an object to be imaged, and an infrared cut filter according to the filter information corresponding to the celestial object selected by the celestial object selecting means And a filter driving means for moving the lens forward and backward on the optical axis of the photographing lens system.
Furthermore, a program for realizing the main functions shown in the invention described in claim 1 is provided to the computer (invention described in claim 11).

The invention described in claim 1 described above may be as follows.
An imaging device that can be detachably attached to an astronomical telescope with an astronomical auto-introduction function that introduces the astronomical object into the field of view by directing the lens barrel toward the target astronomical object, and drives the auto-object introduction function Astro object introduction information storage means for storing and managing astronomical object introduction information for control in association with each celestial object, and transmission means for reading out the astronomical object introduction information corresponding to the celestial object selected by the astronomical object selection means and transmitting it to the astronomical telescope (Invention of claim 6). In this case, after transmitting the astronomical object introduction information to the astronomical telescope, the inside of the field of view is photographed upon completion of introduction when the astronomical object is introduced into the field of view by directing the lens barrel toward the target object on the astronomical telescope side. It may be possible (the invention according to claim 7).

  The celestial object selecting means selects and designates a desired celestial name as a subject to be photographed from a list screen displaying a list of celestial object names (the invention according to claim 8).

  The celestial body selecting means selects and designates a celestial body at an arbitrary position from the graphic display screen of the star map as an object to be photographed (invention according to claim 9).

  Astronomical information storage means for storing and managing information related to celestial bodies is provided, and when reproducing and outputting a photographed image obtained by photographing the celestial object, the celestial information is read out from the celestial information storage means and output in association with the photographed image. Item 10).

The invention described in claim 2 is an imaging apparatus that can be detachably attached to the astronomical telescope, and stores filter information indicating filter information indicating an optical filter suitable for imaging an astronomical object in association with each astronomical object. For photographing a celestial body selected by the celestial body selecting means from among various optical filters provided so as to be movable back and forth on the optical axis of the photographing lens system. Filter driving means for reading out suitable filter information and moving the optical filter on the optical axis of the photographic lens system is provided.
Furthermore, a program for realizing the main functions shown in the invention described in claim 2 is provided to the computer (the invention described in claim 12).

The invention described in claim 2 described above may be as follows.
A disk in which the various optical filters are radially embedded is arranged in the vicinity of the optical axis of the photographing lens system, and the filter driving unit rotates the disk to rotate on the optical axis of the photographing lens system. Arbitrary optical filters in the disc are combined (invention of claim 3).
In addition, the invention described in claim 2 may be the invention described in claims 6-10.

The invention described in claim 4 is an imaging apparatus that can be detachably attached to the astronomical telescope, and stores and manages an image processing type for processing a captured image obtained by imaging the astronomical object in association with each astronomical object. Seed storage means, celestial selection means for selecting an arbitrary celestial body as an imaging target, and processing means for reading out the image processing type corresponding to the celestial body selected by the celestial body selection means and processing the captured image of the celestial body It is characterized by comprising.
Furthermore, a program for realizing the main functions shown in the invention described in claim 4 is provided to the computer (the invention described in claim 13).

The invention described in claim 4 described above may be as follows.
The processing means executes at least one of processing processing among an emphasis processing for emphasizing an image color, a blur processing for an edge portion, and a composite processing for superimposing a plurality of captured images. invention).
In addition, the invention described in claim 4 may be the invention described in claims 6 to 10 described above.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the state in which filter information indicating whether or not the infrared cut filter provided so as to be movable back and forth on the optical axis of the photographing lens system is stored and managed in association with each celestial object, When the celestial object is selected as the object to be photographed, the infrared cut filter is moved back and forth on the optical axis of the photographic lens system according to the filter information corresponding to this object, so any celestial object is photographed when photographing the object. The user (photographer) can shoot astronomical images without being aware of the infrared cut filter, and can easily obtain high-quality captured images suitable for the celestial bodies.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1, the celestial automatic introduction function for introducing the celestial body into the field of view by directing the lens barrel in the target celestial direction. Astronomical introduction information for driving and controlling the celestial body is stored and managed in association with each celestial object, and the celestial body introduction information corresponding to the celestial object arbitrarily selected as the object to be imaged is read and transmitted to the astronomical telescope. Therefore, it is possible to activate the automatic introduction function of the astronomical telescope from the photographing device side only by selecting an arbitrary astronomical object as a photographing object, and it is not necessary to prepare a personal computer or the like separately in order to activate the automatic introduction function. .

  In this case, after sending the celestial introduction information to the astronomical telescope, it is possible to photograph the inside of the field of view as soon as the astronomical object is introduced into the field of view with the barrel facing the target celestial body on the side of the astronomical telescope. (Invention of claim 7), astronomical photography becomes possible upon completion of the introduction, and cooperation between the astronomical telescope and the photographing device becomes possible.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, in addition to having the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 described above, a desired celestial name is selected and designated as a photographing target from a list screen displaying a list of celestial names. Therefore, even general users who do not have specialized knowledge about astronomy can expand their knowledge about celestial bodies while enjoying astronomical observation.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in addition to having the same effect as that of the first aspect of the invention described above, the celestial body at an arbitrary position is selected and designated as a photographing target from the graphic display screen of the star chart. It is possible to expand knowledge about celestial bodies while enjoying astronomical observations. It is more convenient to add names corresponding to major celestial bodies in the graphic display.

  According to the tenth aspect of the invention, in addition to having the same effect as the first aspect of the invention described above, when the celestial body information relating to the celestial body is stored and managed, the captured image obtained by photographing the celestial body is reproduced and output. In addition, since the celestial information is read out and output in association with the captured image, the celestial name, celestial position coordinates, and the like can be known while viewing the captured image of the celestial object. The captured image and the celestial information may be combined and displayed, but the celestial information may be displayed near the captured image.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when any celestial object is selected as an imaging target in a state where filter information indicating an optical filter suitable for imaging the celestial object is stored and managed in association with each celestial object, Filter information suitable for photographing a celestial body selected from various optical filters provided so as to be movable back and forth on the optical axis of the lens system is read and moved to the optical axis of the photographing lens system. Therefore, when shooting an astronomical object, it is possible to use an optical filter suitable for imaging the celestial object simply by selecting an arbitrary celestial object as an object to be imaged, and the user (photographer) can be aware of the optical filter. Astronomical photography is possible, and a high-quality photographed image suitable for the celestial object can be easily obtained.

According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to having the same effect as the invention of claim 2 described above, a disk in which various optical filters are radially embedded is arranged in the vicinity of the optical axis of the photographing lens system, By rotating this disk, an arbitrary optical filter is aligned with the optical axis of the photographic lens system, so any optical filter can be selected from various optical filters simply by rotating the disk. Therefore, it is possible to realize a filter selection mechanism having a simple configuration.
In addition, the invention according to claim 2 has the same effects as those of the inventions according to claims 6 to 10 described above.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when an arbitrary celestial object is selected as an imaging target in a state in which an image processing type for processing a captured image obtained by capturing the celestial object is stored and managed in association with each celestial object. In addition, since the image processing type corresponding to the selected celestial object is read out and the captured image of the celestial object is processed, it is possible to select an arbitrary celestial object as an object to be imaged and select a processing type suitable for the celestial object. The photographed image can be processed, and the user (photographer) does not need to be aware of what kind of processing is performed and can easily obtain a high-quality photographed image suitable for the celestial body. Become.

According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the same effects as those of the invention described in claim 4 described above, enhancement processing for enhancing image color, blur processing for edge portions, and processing by superimposing a plurality of photographed images. Since at least one of the processing processes of the composite process is executed, for example, red emphasis can be applied to the red nebula and blue emphasis can be applied to the blue nebula by the emphasis process. It is possible to add “blur” to the edge of the nebula by the blurring process, or to obtain a clear image by the composite process.
In addition, the invention described in claim 4 has the same effect as the invention described in claims 6-10.

Example 1
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an astronomical telescope with an astronomical automatic introduction function in a state where a photographing device (digital camera) is mounted.
The digital camera 1 is a still camera that can shoot moving images as well as still images. The digital camera 1 is attached so as to be able to shoot within the field of view of the astronomical telescope 2. The digital camera 1 can be detachably attached to the astronomical telescope 2 via an attachment adapter (not shown). Of course, the digital camera 1 can also be used for general photography other than astronomical photography.

  The astronomical telescope 2 has a main body 21 attached so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction, and a lens barrel 22 attached so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. Is equipped with an automatic celestial introduction function for introducing the celestial body into the field of view by directing the lens barrel 22 in the direction of the target celestial body while rotating the vertical direction. The user (photographer) performs astronomical photography while looking through the scope 23 of the astronomical telescope 2 or the viewfinder / liquid crystal screen on the camera 1 side.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing basic components of the digital camera 1.
The control unit 101 is a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the overall operation of the digital camera 1 in accordance with various programs in the storage unit 102. The storage unit 102 is an internal memory configured by, for example, a ROM (flash memory or the like), and has a program area and a data area. In the program area, operation procedures shown in FIGS. Accordingly, a program for realizing the present embodiment is stored, and in this data area, an astronomical database PDB for storing and managing various kinds of information related to astronomical objects is provided.

  A DRAM (Direct Random Access Memory) 103 is an internal memory having a work area, and an image recording memory 104 is a built-in memory for storing and storing captured images captured by the camera. The captured images are BMP, JPEG, It is compressed by a recording format such as TIF, and is sequentially recorded and stored in a 1-image 1-file format. The recording medium 105 is a detachable portable memory that supplies photographed image data, various data, and programs to the outside. The recording medium 105 includes, for example, smart media, an IC card (SD memory card), and the like.

  On the other hand, a key input unit 106, a display unit 107, an imaging unit 108, and the like, which are input / output peripheral devices, are connected to the control unit 101 via a bus line, and according to the input / output program, the control unit 101 It controls the operation of these input / output devices. The control unit 101 is connected to an astronomical telescope 2 having an automatic astronomical introduction function via an external IF (interface) 109. The external IF 109 includes a connector 110 on the camera side and a connector 24 on the astronomical telescope 2 side. In this way, data is transmitted to and received from the astronomical telescope 2.

  The key input unit 106 includes a power ON / OFF button, a shutter button, a zoom button, a mode button for switching to a shooting mode / playback mode, a selection button for moving the cursor in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the like. The signal is given to the control unit 101. The display unit 107 is a liquid crystal display unit with a touch panel that displays image data written in the VRAM 111, and is used as a monitor screen / finder screen / playback screen. The image pickup unit 108 includes a photographing lens, a lens / mirror block such as a mirror, an image pickup device such as a CCD image sensor, a driving system thereof, a distance measuring sensor, a light amount sensor, an analog processing circuit, a signal processing circuit, a compression / expansion circuit, and the like. It controls the optical zoom and controls drive control during autofocus, shutter drive control, exposure, white balance, and the like.

  That is, the subject image from the lens unit 112 of the photographing lens system is formed on the image sensor (CCD) 114 through the movable filter unit 113 described later. In this case, the lens driving unit 115 and the filter driving unit 116 include a motor and a motor driver, and the lens driving unit 115 controls the position of the moving lens in the lens unit 112 and performs focusing. The filter driving unit 116 moves (advances and retracts) an optical filter, which will be described later, on the optical axis of the lens unit 112 (hereinafter referred to as the lens optical axis). The image processing circuit 117 takes in the image signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 114 and performs color separation, gain adjustment, white balance, etc., and converts the converted image data into a luminance signal and a color difference signal. The control unit 101 stores and saves the compressed image data in the image recording memory 104.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the infrared filter 120 incorporated in the movable filter unit 113 is advanced and retracted with respect to the lens optical axis.
The infrared filter 120 optically cuts infrared rays at the time of general photographing or the like, and is a movable filter that operates linearly or arcuately by the filter driving unit 116 and is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat on the lens optical axis. ing. When an arbitrary celestial object is selected and designated as an object to be photographed, the control unit 101 determines whether to use the infrared filter 120 according to the celestial object, and moves the infrared filter 120 via the filter driving unit 116. (Advance and retreat) In other words, the infrared filter 120 is positioned on the lens optical axis when used, and moved to a position retracted from the optical axis when not used. The filter position detection unit 121 detects whether the infrared filter 120 is positioned on the lens optical axis or retracts, and gives a detection signal to the control unit 101.

FIG. 4 shows the contents of the celestial database PDB.
The astronomical database PDB stores the “object name”, “automatic introduction information”, “filter information”, “image processing type”, etc. corresponding to various celestial objects that can be observed by the astronomical telescope 2. It is configured to manage. When an arbitrary celestial name is selected as an object to be imaged, the control unit 101 searches the celestial database PDB based on this celestial name, and the corresponding “automatic introduction information”, “filter information”, “image processing type” "Is read out. In this case, in the state where the celestial names are displayed as a list, an arbitrary celestial name can be selected as an imaging target from the list screen.

  “Automatic introduction information” activates the celestial automatic introduction function of the astronomical telescope 2 and includes “celestial position coordinate information”, “celestial motion information”, and the like. The control unit 101 acquires the current “ “Automatic introduction information” is transmitted to the astronomical telescope 2 side together with the “date and time information”. Note that, on the astronomical telescope 2 side, the automatic astronomical function is activated based on the “date and time information” and “automatic introduction information” from the digital camera 1 as in the prior art. That is, the astronomical telescope 2 side calculates the current astronomical object position based on the “date and time information” and “automatic introduction information”, and rotates the lens barrel 22 in the horizontal and vertical directions based on the calculation result. Introduce a celestial body into the field of view.

  “Filter information” is information for instructing selection of an optical filter corresponding to a celestial object and suitable for photographing the celestial object. In the first embodiment, the use of the infrared cut filter 120 is indicated. The “image processing type” is information for instructing an image processing process corresponding to a celestial object and suitable for photographing the celestial object. In this case, at least one of the enhancement processing for enhancing the image color, the edge blurring processing, the composite processing for superimposing a plurality of captured images, and other processing processing is executed. The enhancement process is a process that applies red enhancement to the image taken of the red nebula and blue enhancement to the image taken of the blue nebula, and the blur process adds “blur” to the edge of the nebula. It is processing. The composite process is a process of obtaining a clear image by superimposing and processing each captured image obtained by continuously capturing the same celestial body.

  Next, the operation concept of the digital camera 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, each function described in these flowcharts is stored in the form of a readable program code, and operations according to the program code are sequentially executed. In addition, the operation according to the above-described program code transmitted via the transmission medium can be sequentially executed. In other words, in addition to the recording medium, an operation peculiar to this embodiment can be executed by using a program / data supplied externally via a transmission medium.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing operations on the digital camera 1 side that are started when the astronomical shooting mode is selected and designated.
First, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the digital camera 1 is mounted on the astronomical telescope 2 based on a mounting presence signal from the external IF 109 (step A1). In order to invalidate the shooting mode selection operation, this flow is exited. However, when the astronomical shooting mode is selected and designated while the astronomical telescope 2 is mounted, the “object name” is read from the astronomical database PDB. List display (step A2).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of the astronomical name list screen. A plurality of celestial names are listed on this list screen. The user (photographer) confirms the contents of the list, and if the desired celestial name is not included in this screen, the user performs a screen switching operation. When this screen switching operation is performed (step A3), the control unit 101 switches and displays the next list screen (step A4). Then, it is checked whether the celestial name to be imaged is selected (step A5), and the process returns to step A3 until the imaged object is selected.

  Now, when a desired celestial name is displayed in a list on the list screen and its display position is touch-inputted, the process proceeds to step A6, where the celestial database PDB is searched based on the celestial name selected as the object to be photographed. The “automatic introduction information” and “filter information” corresponding to the celestial name are acquired (step A7), and the current “date and time information” is acquired from the time measuring function (step A8). Information "is transmitted from the external IF 109 to the astronomical telescope 2 (step A9), and an activation command for starting the automatic introduction function of the astronomical telescope 2 is transmitted (step A10).

  When the “automatic introduction information” is transmitted to the astronomical telescope 2 in this way, the control unit 101 counts an introduction completion timer (for example, a 10-second timer) in order to wait until the automatic introduction is completed on the astronomical telescope 2 side. The operation is started (step A11). That is, on the astronomical telescope 2 side, while calculating the current celestial position based on “date and time information” and “automatic introduction information”, the barrel 22 is rotated in the horizontal and vertical directions to introduce the celestial body into the field of view. However, although the required time at that time is slightly different depending on the celestial object, if a time longer than the maximum required time (for example, 10 seconds) is measured by the above-described introduction completion timer, Even so, the introduction is complete.

  While automatic introduction is performed on the astronomical telescope 2 side, the control unit 101 performs a filter driving process for advancing and retracting the infrared filter 120 based on the “filter information” corresponding to the astronomical name acquired from the astronomical database PDB. That is, the control unit 101 specifies the current set position of the infrared filter 120 based on the detection signal from the filter position detection unit 121 (step A12), and uses this current position and “filter information” acquired from the celestial database PDB. Based on this, it is checked whether or not the infrared filter 120 needs to be moved (step A13). If it is necessary to move, the filter driver 116 is instructed to drive the infrared filter 120 (step A14). ). In response to this instruction, the filter driving unit 116 sets the infrared filter 120 on the lens optical axis or moves the infrared filter 120 away from the lens optical axis.

  After performing the filter driving process in this way, the process proceeds to step A15 in FIG. 6 and refers to the above-described introduction completion timer to determine whether the time is up or not, that is, the target celestial object on the astronomical telescope 2 side. It is checked whether or not the introduction operation for directing the lens barrel 22 in the direction of the selected celestial body is completed, and the system waits until the introduction is completed. When the introduction is completed, the image data is taken into the DRAM 103 from the image sensor 114 via the image processing circuit 117 (step A16) and displayed on the monitor (step A17). In this state, it is checked whether a shutter operation has been performed (step A18) or whether a preset interval shooting timing (for example, one hour interval) has been reached (step A19), until the shutter operation or shooting timing is reached. The process returns to step A16 and enters a standby state.

  Now, when a shutter operation is performed or when the photographing timing is reached (YES in steps A18 and A19), the photographed image is taken into the DRAM 103 via the image processing circuit 117 (step A20). Then, the “celestial name” of the imaged celestial object and its “declination” are acquired from the celestial database PDB (step A21), and the current date (imaging date) is acquired (step A22). , “Declination of Red Declination” and “Shooting Date / Time” are combined with the photographed image in the DRAM 103 and pasted in a predetermined area in the photographed image (Step A23), and this image file is generated (Step A24). It is stored and saved in the image recording memory 104 (step A25).

  Next, it is checked whether or not a plurality of (for example, five) images of the same celestial object have been continuously photographed (step A26), and the process returns to step A20 until a plurality of photographing is completed. The operation is repeated (steps A20 to A26). Thus, a plurality of image files are stored and saved in the image recording memory 104. Then, the process proceeds to step A27, where it is checked whether or not the photographing end operation has been performed, and the process returns to step A16 until the end operation is performed. In this case, since the astronomical telescope 2 side continues the introduction operation of directing the lens barrel 22 in the direction while following the celestial object selected as the object to be imaged, the astronomical object being tracked is imaged until the photographing end operation is performed. Is possible. Here, when the photographing end operation is performed (YES in Step A27), it is checked whether or not the astronomical photographing mode is canceled (Step A28). If the astronomical photographing mode is not canceled, the process returns to Step A1 in FIG. Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation on the digital camera 1 side that is started when the mode is switched to the image reproduction mode.
First, the control unit 101 reads the “object name” from the object database PDB and displays an object list screen (step B1). Here, the user (photographer) confirms the contents of the list, and if the desired celestial name is not included in the screen, the screen switching operation is performed. When the screen switching operation is performed (YES in step B2), the next list screen is switched and displayed (step B3), and it is checked whether the celestial name to be reproduced is selected (step B4), and the reproduction target is selected. Return to step B2 until

  When a reproduction target is selected, the celestial name is read (step B5), the image recording memory 104 is searched based on the celestial name, and a plurality of photographed images corresponding to the celestial name are read ( In step B6), the celestial database PDB is searched based on this celestial name (step B7), and it is checked whether “image processing type” is set corresponding to this celestial name (step B8). If the “image processing type” is not set, a plurality of captured images read from the image recording memory 104 are reproduced and displayed (step B14). In this case, when an arbitrary image is selected from the plurality of captured images, only the selected image is reproduced and displayed.

  On the other hand, if “image processing type” is set, this processing type is determined (step B9), and if it is a color enhancement process, the process proceeds to step B10, for example, red enhancement is applied to a captured image of a red nebula. Also, blue emphasis is given to the photographed image of the blue nebula. If the processing type is a blurring process, for example, a process such as “blurring” the edge of the nebula is performed (step B11). If the processing type is composite processing, processing for obtaining a clear image is performed while superimposing a plurality of continuously captured images (step B12). If it is another processing type, the process proceeds to Step B13.

  In this case, processing corresponding to the set processing type is performed, such as performing color enhancement processing on the composite-processed image or performing blurring processing on the composite-processed image. Then, the processed image is reproduced and displayed (step B14). FIG. 9 is a view showing a reproduction screen of an image obtained by photographing a celestial body. In this reproduction screen, the above-mentioned “celestial name”, “declination”, and “photographing date / time” are combined on the lower side of the photographed image. Added. Thereafter, until the playback end operation is performed (YES in step B15), the process returns to the first step B1, and the above-described operation is repeated thereafter.

  As described above, the control unit 101 in the first embodiment stores filter information indicating whether or not the infrared cut filter 120 provided on the lens optical axis so as to be able to advance and retreat is associated with each celestial object in the celestial database PDB. When an arbitrary celestial object is selected as an imaging target in the managed state, the filter information corresponding to this celestial object is read, and the infrared cut filter 102 is advanced and retracted on the lens optical axis via the filter driving unit 116. Therefore, when shooting an astronomical object, it is only necessary to select an arbitrary celestial object as an object to be imaged, and for the user (photographer), the celestial object can be captured without being aware of the infrared cut filter, and a high quality suitable for the celestial object. A captured image can be easily obtained.

  In addition, in a state where the image processing type is stored and managed in the celestial database PDB in association with each celestial object, the control unit 101 corresponds to the selected celestial object when an arbitrary celestial object is selected as an imaging target. Since the image processing type is read out and the captured image of the celestial body is processed, it is possible to process the captured image with a processing type suitable for the celestial body simply by selecting an arbitrary celestial object as a subject to be imaged. The user (photographer) does not need to be aware of what kind of processing is performed, and can easily obtain a high-quality captured image suitable for a celestial body. In this case, at least one of the processing can be performed among the enhancement processing that enhances the image color, the blur processing of the edge portion, and the composite processing that is performed by superimposing a plurality of captured images.

  In addition, in a state where celestial body introduction information for driving and controlling the automatic celestial body introduction function is associated with each celestial object and stored and managed in the celestial database PDB, the control unit 101 corresponds to a celestial object arbitrarily selected as an imaging target. Astronomical object introduction information is read out and transmitted to the astronomical telescope 2, so that it is possible to activate the automatic introduction function of the astronomical telescope 2 from the camera 1 side only by selecting an arbitrary astronomical object as an imaging target. There is no need to separately prepare a personal computer or the like to operate the introduction function.

  In this case, the digital camera 1 side transmits astronomical information to the astronomical telescope 2 and then, when the target astronomical object is introduced into the field of view on the astronomical telescope 2 side, the inside of the field of view is photographed upon completion of this introduction. Since it is possible, astronomical photography becomes possible with the completion of introduction, and the astronomical telescope 2 and the digital camera 1 can be linked. In this case, the digital camera 1 side detects the introduction completion in response to the time-up of the introduction completion timer (for example, a 10-second timer), so there is no need to change the algorithm on the astronomical telescope 2 side.

Since the digital camera 1 side selects and designates a desired celestial name as a subject to be photographed from a list screen for displaying a list of celestial names, even a general user who does not have expertise in astronomy can perform astronomical observation. You can expand your knowledge of celestial bodies while having fun. In addition, when reproducing and outputting a photographed image of a celestial object, information on the celestial object “celestial name” and “declination” is read from the celestial database PDB, added to the photographed image, and reproduced and displayed. Therefore, it is possible to know the name of the celestial body, the coordinates of the celestial body position, etc. while viewing the captured image of the celestial body.
(Example 2)

The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In the first embodiment described above, when an arbitrary celestial object is selected as an object to be photographed, the infrared cut filter 102 is moved back and forth on the lens optical axis in accordance with this celestial object. In the example, a multi-type filter 122 is incorporated in the movable filter unit 113, and an optical filter suitable for the celestial body selected as the imaging target is selected from the multi-type filter 122 and set on the lens optical axis. It is a thing. Further, in the first embodiment described above, image processing suitable for the celestial object is performed at the time of reproducing the celestial image, but in the second embodiment, before the photographic image is stored at the time of astrophotography, An image processing process suitable for a celestial body is performed.
Here, the same or the same names in both embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the features of the second embodiment. .

FIG. 10 is a view showing the multi-type filter 122 incorporated in the movable filter unit 113.
The multi-filter 122 is a filter in which various optical filters having different characteristics (for example, an infrared cut filter, other light pollution cut filters, a band-pass filter of a specific wavelength, etc.) are radially embedded in a disc (rotating body) CP. The rotary filter group is arranged in the vicinity of the optical axis of the lens, and an arbitrary optical filter is aligned on the optical axis by the rotation of the disc CP. When an arbitrary celestial object is selected and designated as an object to be photographed, the control unit 101 rotationally drives the disc CP via the filter driving unit 116 in order to position an optical filter suitable for this celestial object on the lens optical axis. Let

An empty area (no filter area) SA in which no optical filter is embedded is provided in the disc CP. Here, assuming that the reference position of the disc CP is a case where an empty area SA is set on the lens optical axis, the filter position detection unit 123 detects and controls the rotation amount of the disc CP from the reference position. Part 101 is given. The control unit 101 determines which type of filter is currently located on the lens optical axis based on the rotation amount of the disc CP from the reference position.
Note that the astronomical database PDB in the second embodiment is configured to store and manage “filter information” indicating the types of optical filters corresponding to the astronomical object and suitable for photographing the astronomical object. “Object name”, “automatic introduction information”, “image processing type”,... Are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation in the astrophotography mode in the second embodiment.
First, the control unit 101 sequentially executes the processes corresponding to steps A1 to A11 in FIG. 5 described above (steps C1 to C4). That is, in the state where the digital camera 1 is mounted on the astronomical telescope 2 (step C1), when an astronomical name to be imaged is arbitrarily selected from the astronomical name list screen (step C2), it is supported from the astronomical database PDB. The “automatic introduction information” is acquired and transmitted to the astronomical telescope 2 (step C3), and the time measurement operation of the introduction completion timer is started (step C4).

  Next, the control unit 101 refers to the detection signal from the filter position detection unit 123, and identifies the type of filter that is currently set from the plurality of filters constituting the multi-type filter 122 (step C5). In this case, the filter position detection unit 123 detects the rotation amount of the disk CP from the reference position where the empty area (no filter area) SA of the disk CP is set on the lens optical axis, and the control unit 101 Referring to the rotation amount of the disc CP, it is specified which type of filter is currently located on the lens optical axis.

  Based on the type of filter specified in this way and the “filter information” acquired from the celestial database PDB, the control unit 101 checks whether or not the disk CP needs to be rotated (step C6), and needs to be rotated. If there is, the rotation amount of the disk CP is calculated with reference to the current position of the disk CP (step C7), and the filter drive unit 116 is instructed to rotate the disk CP by this rotation amount. (Step C8). In response to this instruction, the filter driving unit 116 rotates the disc CP to set a filter suitable for this astronomical photography on the lens optical axis. Next, it is checked whether the introduction is completed (time is up) on the astronomical telescope 2 side (step C9). When the introduction completion is detected, the captured image data is captured and displayed on the monitor (step C10).

  In this state, in response to the shutter operation (step C11), the captured image at that time is taken into the DRAM 103 (step C12), and a plurality of the same astronomical objects (for example, five images) are continuously captured. It is checked whether or not (step C13), and the process returns to step C12 until a plurality of shootings are completed. Then, the process proceeds to step C14, where it is checked whether or not “image processing type” is set in the celestial database PDB corresponding to the name of the celestial object to be imaged. The image processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed (step C15), and the processed image is stored and saved in the image recording memory 104 (step C16). Then, it is checked whether or not the photographing end operation has been performed (step C17), and the process returns to step C10 until the end operation is performed.

  As described above, the control unit 101 according to the second embodiment, as described above, in a state in which filter information indicating optical filters suitable for photographing in association with each celestial object is stored and managed in the celestial database PDB. When an arbitrary celestial object is selected as an object to be imaged, the filter information is read and the movable filter unit 113 is driven via the filter driving unit 116, and the infrared filter 120 is moved forward and backward with respect to the lens optical axis. Since the filter selected from the various filters 122 is moved on the optical axis of the lens, an optical filter suitable for photographing the celestial object can be used simply by selecting an arbitrary celestial object as a photographing target. The user (photographer) can shoot astronomical objects without being aware of the optical filter, and can take high-quality images suitable for celestial bodies. Images can be easily obtained.

  In this case, the disc CP in which the multi-filter 122 is radially embedded is arranged in the vicinity of the lens optical axis, and the disc CP is rotated to drive an arbitrary filter on the lens optical axis. An arbitrary filter can be selected from the various filters 122 simply by rotating the disk CP, and a filter selection mechanism having a simple configuration can be realized. In addition, since the image is processed according to the celestial body before the captured image is stored at the time of photographing the celestial object, a high-quality image can be obtained at the time of photographing.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a desired celestial name is selected and designated as a photographing target from a list screen that displays a list of celestial names. For example, as shown in FIG. May be displayed and the celestial body at the touch position may be selected as a subject to be photographed by touch-inputting an arbitrary position in the graphic screen. In this case, it is possible to expand knowledge about celestial bodies while enjoying celestial observation. It is more convenient to add names corresponding to major celestial bodies in the graphic display.

In each of the embodiments described above, the digital camera 1 is detachably attached to the astronomical telescope 2 via an adapter, but it can be connected via a cable or via a short-distance wireless communication means. You may do it.
In the first embodiment described above, when a captured image is played back and displayed, the “celestial name”, “declination”, and “shooting date and time” are added and displayed in the lower area of the captured image. However, you may make it display the information regarding a celestial body in the vicinity of a picked-up image.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the current date and time information is transmitted from the digital camera 1 to the astronomical telescope 2 together with the astronomical object introduction information for driving and controlling the automatic astronomical object introduction function. If it is, the transmission of the current date / time information can be omitted. In each of the embodiments described above, the introduction completion is detected on the digital camera 1 side in response to the time-up of the introduction completion timer, but the introduction completion notification is transmitted from the astronomical telescope 2 side to the digital camera 1. You may do it.

  In addition, although the case where it applied to a digital still camera as an imaging device was shown, you may make it apply to a digital video camera, and also make it apply to portable terminal devices, such as a mobile phone with a camera function, and PDA. Also good.

The figure which showed the whole perspective view of the state which mounted | wore the astronomical telescope 2 with a celestial automatic introduction function with the imaging device (digital camera) 1 mounted | worn. 1 is a block diagram showing basic components of a digital camera 1. FIG. The figure which showed the state which advances / retreats the infrared filter 120 incorporated in the movable filter unit 113 with respect to a lens optical axis. The figure which showed the content of the astronomical database PDB. The flowchart which showed the operation | movement by the side of the digital camera 1 started to be executed when the astronomical photography mode is selected and designated. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart which showed the operation | movement by the side of the digital camera 1 started when it switches to image reproduction mode. The figure which showed the celestial name list screen which selects the celestial object of imaging | photography as a specific example. The figure which showed the reproduction | regeneration screen of the image which image | photographed the celestial body. The figure which showed the various filter 122 integrated in the movable filter unit 113 in 2nd Example. 9 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation in the astronomical photographing mode in the second embodiment. The figure which showed the modification application example of this each Example, and showed selecting using the graphic screen of a star chart, when selecting the celestial body of imaging | photography object.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 2 Astronomical telescope 22 Lens barrel 24 Astronomical telescope side connector 101 Control part 102 Memory | storage part 104 Image recording memory 106 Key input part 107 Display part 108 Imaging part 109 External IF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Camera side connector 112 Lens unit 113 Movable filter unit 114 Image pick-up element 116 Filter drive part 120 Infrared filter 121 Filter position detection part 122, 123 Various filters CP Disc SA Empty area (area without filter)
PDB Astronomical Database

Claims (13)

An imaging device that can be detachably attached to an astronomical telescope,
Filter information storage means for storing and managing filter information indicating whether or not an infrared cut filter provided to be movable back and forth on the optical axis of the photographing lens system is associated with each celestial body;
Celestial object selection means for selecting an arbitrary celestial object as an object to be photographed;
Filter driving means for advancing and retracting the infrared cut filter on the optical axis of the photographing lens system in accordance with the filter information corresponding to the celestial object selected by the celestial object selecting means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: An imaging device that can be detachably attached to an astronomical telescope,
Filter information storage means for storing and managing filter information indicating an optical filter suitable for photographing a celestial body in association with each celestial body;
Celestial object selection means for selecting an arbitrary celestial object as an object to be photographed;
Filter information suitable for photographing a celestial object selected by the celestial object selecting means from among various optical filters provided so as to be able to advance and retreat on the optical axis of the photographing lens system, and the optical filter is used as the optical axis of the photographing lens system. Filter driving means for moving upward,
An imaging apparatus comprising: A disk in which the various optical filters are radially embedded is disposed in the vicinity of the optical axis of the photographing lens system,
The filter driving means aligns an arbitrary optical filter in the disc on the optical axis of the photographing lens system by rotating the disc.
The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the photographing apparatus is configured as described above. An imaging device that can be detachably attached to an astronomical telescope,
Processing type storage means for storing and managing an image processing type for processing a captured image obtained by shooting a celestial body in association with each celestial body;
Celestial object selection means for selecting an arbitrary celestial object as an object to be photographed;
Processing means for reading out the image processing type corresponding to the celestial body selected by the celestial body selecting means and processing the photographed image of the celestial body;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The processing means executes at least one of processing processing among an emphasis processing for enhancing an image color, a blur processing for an edge portion, and a composite processing for superimposing a plurality of captured images.
The photographing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the photographing apparatus is configured as described above. An imaging device that can be detachably attached to an astronomical telescope with an astronomical automatic introduction function that introduces the celestial body into the field of view by directing the lens barrel in a target celestial direction,
Celestial body introduction information storage means for storing and managing celestial body introduction information for driving and controlling the celestial body automatic introduction function;
Transmitting means for reading out the celestial body introduction information corresponding to the celestial object selected by the celestial object selecting means and transmitting it to the astronomical telescope;
5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing apparatus is provided. After transmitting the astronomical object introduction information to the astronomical telescope, it is possible to photograph the inside of the field of view upon completion of introduction when the astronomical object is introduced into the field of view by directing the lens barrel toward the target object on the astronomical telescope side. ,
The photographing apparatus according to claim 6, which is configured as described above. The celestial body selecting means selects and designates a desired celestial name as a subject to be photographed from a list screen displaying a list of celestial names.
5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing apparatus is configured as described above. The celestial body selecting means selects and designates a celestial body at an arbitrary position as a photographing target from a graphic display screen of a star map,
5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing apparatus is configured as described above. A celestial information storage means for storing and managing celestial information related to celestial bodies is provided.
When reproducing and outputting a photographed image obtained by photographing a celestial body, the celestial information is read from the celestial information storage means and output in association with the photographed image.
5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing apparatus is configured as described above. Against the computer,
A function of storing and managing filter information indicating whether or not an infrared cut filter provided to be movable back and forth on the optical axis of the photographing lens system is associated with each celestial body;
A function to select any celestial object as a subject to be photographed;
A function of moving the infrared cut filter back and forth on the optical axis of the photographing lens system in accordance with the filter information corresponding to the selected celestial body;
A program to realize Against the computer,
A function for storing and managing filter information indicating an optical filter suitable for photographing a celestial body in association with each celestial body,
A function to select any celestial object as a subject to be photographed;
Filter information suitable for photographing the selected celestial body is read out from various optical filters provided so as to be movable back and forth on the optical axis of the photographing lens system, and the optical filter is moved onto the optical axis of the photographing lens system. Function and
A program to realize Against the computer,
A function for storing and managing an image processing type for processing a captured image obtained by capturing a celestial body in association with each celestial body;
A function to select any celestial object as a subject to be photographed;
A function of reading out the image processing type corresponding to the selected celestial body and processing a captured image of the celestial body;
A program to realize

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